If you’ve got a raw block, or an overgrown or neglected garden bed, your new plants will have a much better chance of surviving if you do some preparation before planting. In fact, this preparation can make all the difference in having healthy, fast growing and flourishing plants.
- Begin by spraying the area with Roundup* to zap the weeds, and allow it to sit for 48 hours.
- Mow the grass and weeds down as low as possible, down to the dirt.
- Next, dig, dig, dig! Dig, turn, and break up the soil with a spade or mattock, ensuring you go down to a depth of one whole spade.
- Mix in to a depth of 5-10cm some organic soil goodness (watch out for dodgy toxic soil sellers) or good quality potting mix and dig this all in again.
- Use a garden fork to roughly go over the area and rake out the junk, weeds, rocks etc.
- And finally, level the area with a steel garden rake to create a smooth canvas for your green masterpiece.
*Hold up: Roundup? Controversy alert.
When it comes to battling weeds, there’s one product that often sparks lively debates: Roundup. Now, Roundup has its fair share of controversies, but let’s explore its benefits. You see, Roundup is a herbicide (plant-killer) and contains an active ingredient called Glyphosate, which is like a weed-wrecking ninja. It swiftly eliminates weeds by attacking their roots, ensuring a thorough takedown.
Glyphosate gets neutralized by the calcium naturally present in the soil within a mere 48 hours, rendering it relatively harmless. Of course, safety first! It’s crucial to use proper protection when handling any chemicals. And remember: Roundup does NOT discriminate. It will kill any plant it touches, so don’t get it near your leafy beloveds.
If Roundup is not your style, fear not! An alternative approach involves some good ol’ manual labour. Grab your trusty mattock or shovel and hack and smash those weeds and grassy messes into the soil. Then, armed with a garden fork, diligently rake out the weeds, including their sneaky roots, and repeat every week or so in the leadup to planting time. It’s an eco-friendly way to keep your garden weed-free without the need for herbicides.
